Phono cartridge for classic rock

Any suggestions for a phono cartridge that plays "classic rock" well? It seems that the MCs I've used over the past few years (Lyra Dorian, Ortofon Kontrapunkt A) aren't the best choice. They play some of my old records superb and then some with cold sounding midrange and highs.

If Stanton still made the 881 with the shibata stylus tip they offered I'd be in heaven, but that's not an option. I do have a Dennon DL103 in the closet but haven't tried it with my current gear. I'm using a VPI Scout (just got it and love it), Electrocompaniet ECP1 phono and ECI3 integrated, Linn Ninka loudspeakers. Thanks for any advice.

mbenus06-13-2010 2:11pm

...
26 posts total
View entire discussion

dci Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 2 posts 06-24-2010 at 01:58am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Listening to my Shelter 901 with Zepplin II spinning, sounds great!
syntax Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 2,033 posts 06-24-2010 at 05:33am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Denon 103R
wntrmute2 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 188 posts 06-24-2010 at 01:21pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I also agree with the Blackbird. Worked nicely on both my HW-19 with audioquest arm as well as on my TNT w/ SME-V arm. I am replacing it with a Benz Glider since I broke my Blackbird. I will have it retipped at Soundsmith tho. In comparison, the Glider is a bit more detailed on the upper end and digs as deep if not a little deeper than the Blackbird on the low end. while the Blackbird has a bit less groove noise and masks the cliks/pops a bit better. I am running this into a Wright Pre and Transcendent amps. I listed to mostly blues and blues oriented rock, a little jazz now and then mostly for the audiophile quality recording.
geoch Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 354 posts 06-25-2010 at 11:46am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I definitely agree with Vinyladdict. But do you ever wonder if this picking behaviour arise from your ECP1 phono and ECI3 integrated ? Jmcgrogan2 has give you a good point of today's Hi-Fi logic. The success for a system is to uplevel the average recordings to an acceptable average. Some SS combinations they tend to prefer DD tables to reveal their nature & express their capabilities. (ie. Goldmund) George
topoxforddoc Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 313 posts 06-26-2010 at 09:02am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete How about a Decca (London)? The most 'live sounding' cart there is. Great taut bass, rhythm and a misunderstood gem. It doesn't trash your records (at least it hasn't over 30 years with my LPs). I use mine on a Hadcock (it likes damped unipivots) and it compares very well to my Allaerts MC1B on a Schroeder (both on a Platine Verdier); not quite as subtle with a less airy soundstage, but on rock it beast the pants off the Allaerts. Charlie www.charlie-chan.co.uk